Emerging Tech Committees

Chair: Josh Hopkins, Star SU

The AGMA 3D Printing Committee was established to watch this growing technology. We have a focus on metal 3D printing and printing gears. The committee also looks at other benefits of additive manufacturing for gear manufacturers.

2025 FOCUS: We are watching new developments in how AGMA members are using this technology for printing jigs and fixtures, prototypes and parts for assemblies. Additionally, we continue to monitor developments in materials.

All committee meetings take place online (Teams). All times are Eastern.

• Thursday, February 6 – 3:00 pm
  • Discuss stops for the RAPID tour
    
• Tuesday, April 15 – 2:00 pm
  • Follow-up from RAPID tour with a guest speaker
    
• June meeting (date TBD)
  • Special guest presentation
    
• Tuesday, November 18 – 2:00 pm
  • Special guest presentation

FACE-TO-FACE EVENTS

• April 9, 2025 | Detroit, MI – AGMA Curated Tour at RAPID
  
• June 4-6, 2025 | Greenville, SC – AGMA SNL
  • This committee is sponsoring a special presentation on 3D printing
    
• August 27 | Detroit, MI – AGMA Emerging Tech Day
  • Includes LIFT tour of new powder creation facility to accelerate developments in materials.

Chair: Scott Miller, Caterpillar

This committee continues to monitor and discuss the mechanical developments in vehicle technology. In 2024, this committee aided in the creation of a standards project under the AGMA Gear Applications Committee to develop an information sheet, AGMA 948-AXX, Electrified Vehicle Drivetrains.

2025 FOCUS: There continues to be volatility in the EV space as consumer demand, tariff discussions, and new technology advances in battery and new fuels continue. We hope to bring experts to our meetings to provide the latest information. Speakers will be announced as we secure them. Come back to see more on this page.

All committee meetings take place online (Teams). All times are Eastern.

• Thursday, March 13 – 3:00 pm
• Tuesday, May 20 – 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 14 – 2:00 pm
• Thursday, November 13 – 3:00 pm

FACE-TO-FACE EVENTS

• June 11-12 | Hartford, CT – Joint Technology Event
  • AGMA partners with committee members from AMT and NTMA to discuss emerging technology topics. We will have an automotive speaker at this event. AGMA has limited seats for this event – please contact doran@agma.org for more information.
    
• August 27 | Detroit, MI – AGMA Emerging Tech Day
  • Includes LIFT tour of new powder creation facility to accelerate developments in materials.

Chair: Akshat Thirani, Founder, Amper

Data is flowing so much faster and more than ever. Successful digital transformation requires more than a good strategy and adequate funding; it takes focus on process.

The AGMA IIoT Committee works to bring information to the gear industry on use cases for the successful implementation of IIoT. They are also working to bring information on cybersecurity, one of the most pressing topics in manufacturing today. Finally, the committee will work to bring members information on the new CMMC compliance for those who are working on defense or related contracts.

2025 FOCUS: Artificial Intelligence (AI) – We will be looking at the new AI applications in manufacturing. We are looking for guidance in how gear manufacturers can use this for customer service and ordering. We will continue to monitor the deeper uses of AI in digital twin technology and other software applications. And we will watch for signs of change in electric generation as all of this new technology will require lots of additional supply.

All committee meetings take place online (Teams). All times are Eastern.

• Tuesday, March 18 – 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, June 24 – 2:00 pm
  • Discussion of what people saw at Automate with special guest TBD
• Thursday, October 9 – 1:00 pm
  • Special guest TBD
• Thursday, December 11 – 3:00 pm
  • Special guest TBD

FACE-TO-FACE EVENTS

• June 11-12 | Hartford, CT – Joint Technology Event
  • AGMA partners with committee members from AMT and NTMA to discuss emerging technology topics. We will have an automotive speaker at this event. AGMA has limited seats for this event – please contact doran@agma.org for more information.
• August 27 | Detroit, MI – AGMA Emerging Tech Day
  • Will include presentations on use of AI in manufacturing, more details closer to the event.

Chair: Robert Kufner, Designatronics

This committee published a white paper in 2024. You can download it and view its accompanying webinar here.

Big advancements in robots and automation are making implementation more affordable for low-volume, high changeover situations that are common in our industry.

The committee is specifically looking into three areas:

• How can our members best use robotics and automation technology in their plants?
• How are robots being used in new and different ways in manufacturing?
• How are gears incorporated into the production of robotics?

2025 FOCUS: The AGMA Robotics Committee is keenly watching developments in humanoid robot supply chain development. What types of mechanisms are being used in these robots? How are companies ramping up to bring products to market?

All committee meetings take place online (Teams). All times are Eastern.

• Tuesday, February 18 – 2:00 pm
  • Discuss final version of the 2025 white paper and develop webinar questions
• WEBINAR: March 5
  • Panel of contributors for Robotics Committee white paper will discuss humanoid robots.
• Tuesday, April 29 – 2:00 pm
  • Preview Boston Robotics meeting with special guest TBD
• Thursday, June 12 – 1:00 pm
  • Discuss post Boston Robotics Show and Automate with guest speaker TBD
• Tuesday, September 23 – 2:00 pm
  • Special guest speaker – TBD

FACE-TO-FACE EVENTS

• June 11-12 | Hartford, CT – Joint Technology Event
  • AGMA partners with committee members from AMT and NTMA to discuss emerging technology topics. We will have an automotive speaker at this event. AGMA has limited seats for this event – please contact doran@agma.org for more information.
• August 27 | Detroit, MI – AGMA Emerging Tech Day

Will include presentations on use of AI in manufacturing, more details closer to the event.